Hi there,

  I'd like your opinion.

  Should I just downgrade all the parts in my amps to all Asian made stuff?

  I am asking since using "standard" stuff doesn't seem to make any difference to the perception on parts that we use in the amps.

  "Standard" here defined as what the other booteeks use.

  I see on the other forums how we use Asian made parts of low quality. The very same people talk in great detail on quality.

  Yet, it seems a bit off to me, when they cannot tell or identify Mallory 150 from an Orange Drop, or even know that there are many types of Orange Drop caps.

  And lets not even get into RN65D resistors, or the likes.

  I mean, if you want to say I use low quality stuff, you gotta know what I actually use, right?

  I guess, if this is how it's going, I might just save the money and reduce the prices more, by just using "Asian" parts. Using quality parts do not count, if you're not there.
 
  Sorry for the rant, but I guess snake oil is here to stay. And, no, dont get my faceplates, it'd make your amp sound bad. Really! The cheap faceplate wont jive with your ultra shiny, correct to July 1967 tranny mounting screw.

  I will no longer discuss what parts I use inside the amp. I will just say they're made from processed coconut husk.

  Look at the pics, google to find out more and make comparison, and listen to clips to decide.

  We send out 200 amps per month - 1 fail, thats 0.5% failure.

  Compare to sending out 20, and 1 fail - thats 5% failure.

  I will now shut up and spend time for new amps, and still low(and hopefully lower) costs. Just because I can, and just to piss them off. I am not responsible if that means people can now afford these stuff.

Thank You.

Nik



 

   

 
 

I'd say your vent is well placed. I can't know specifically what forum/thread/post you're reacting to. I've seen the occasional -- always unsubstantiated and vague -- reference to Ceriatone parts, mostly on transformers. But I also read where guys come to your defense, like I recently saw a guy point out your use of Mallorys. And your build quality always gets very high marks. Folks are always going to want to see something like MM/Heyboer/Drake/RadioSpares/Hammond/etc specified just so they can feel good. I also recently read a Metro post where a guy said your trannys were just fine, and told the OP that upgrading his tranny was just a waste of money. A lot of this stuff is just people playing favorites and, frankly the "buy American" mindset comes into play too. I think the best way to dispel the rumor mill is simply respond, politely but aggressively, on the boards. Push back!

As for downgrading your parts, I say HELL NO! Maybe just do a better job of communicating how high the quality of your parts is? Again, if it's really a problem, push back! You have every right, especially if your stuff is being falsely impugned. I suspect that right away if folks see that their unsubstantiated BS might be challenged they'll fold like a cheap lawn chair.

Personally I'd be willing to pay more for genuine coconut husk!

Aside: You should get your hands on a Swart AST. That thing is something special.

People who buy your stuff know what they are getting... and people ranting about it, are not your customers.

Ask your self, do you get more orders or less orders... if you're getting more (which is my guess), than your know what is the general feeling about your amps. Don't go and spoil that.

If you're doing something wrong is MARKETING... man, you suck at that.
First of all, you need to redo your web site... put shitload more info about your amps in there. Be more involved in a forum like this one... perhaps even take an occasional stand in some hostile territories  .

...but be ready to react... more orders will come and you better deliver them all.
 

There are always people who will get bitchy, especially if they regard the price they paid for something built in the US as a badge showing how serious they are about music. AFAIK no-one has a better reputation than Nik.

Nik, Just keep doing it the way you know is the correct way....
I couldn't find any genuine-sounding negative reviews anywhere

Cheers
T

Nik keep building your amps the way you feel best about them and screw the other crap!! I'm getting one of your amps because of the reviews I've read , the sound clips I listened to and the fact that the price can't be beat!!

wow... Come on Nik, when I bought my amp, there was a discrete general knowledge on Ceriatone... I did my research first and found some great comments. That was late 2006! Google Ceriatone now and tell me how many good reffrences can you find!

There is only one specific reason why I have not bought another amp from you, and that is money $$ 

But believe, I won't buy no amps from other place than yours. I have seen people ignoring my advice, and regreting it later.

There is no need on changing what you use right now on your amps. If you are using this parts it's because you already researched and decided this is what is needed. Why change?
A forum board can take as much as people can write. Do this guys know the difference between brands because they all have ears like Eric Jhonson? or because they know stuff just like you do? or just because they read somewere else? I can assure you that 95% of this "gurus" spend more time in front of a computer than playing guitar. Why should we care!

The marketing stuff... well something can be done on that part, but it is not an urgency. If the world stop asking for your amps, worry. Otherwise, keep sending amps, that's the relevant part!

Kind regards from Walter, here from Costa Rica!

Big +1 to this. I am not sure if Nik is human either! I had some problems and stupid questions and Nik always took the time to help me troubleshoot. Very knowledgable and the support is just him alone which is unbelievable, I don't know how he does it! There is just something satisfying about being able to build your own kit at a VERY reasonable price, prices for a bare kit are just unbelievable and I am working on Kit #2 now. I used to be skeptical about buying a Ceriatone, and after building a amp I decided to take the plunge and build a Ceriatone 100w HRM BM, very glad I decided to, this thing sounds just like boutique built d-style amps that cost 2 to 3x as much that I previously had. 

Keep it up Nik, with more releases you will always have supporters.

Just another vote of support for you Nik - your amps are fantastic and you are an incredible dude.

Thanks heaps mate (don't let the man get you down!)